Propose targeted crown reduction, weight reduction, limb removal and crown thinning works to a London plane tree.

Full Proposal

T1 London plane (Platanus x hispanica), located within the rear garden of The Nyth, Pond Road, Blackheath, SE3 9JL. Proposed works: Carry out targeted crown reduction and weight reduction works to the London plane tree. Reduce the overall crown by approximately 5 to 6 metres, pruning back to suitable secondary growth points where practicable. Reduce the over-extended limbs to the north and south by up to approximately 8 to 10 metres, pruning back into the main crown line to suitable growth points. Remove two large hung-up limbs / failed limbs from within the crown. Carry out light crown thinning only where required to improve crown balance and reduce excessive limb loading. The works are to be carried out sympathetically, with the aim of reducing excessive end weight and mechanical stress while retaining the tree?s natural form, veteran character, amenity value and ecological value as far as reasonably practicable. Reason for works: An aerial inspection was carried out on 24 July 2026. The inspection identified large cavities within the main stem and primary scaffold limbs, together with over-extended limbs and areas of mechanical loading. The attached report recommended targeted pruning and weight reduction to reduce the likelihood of major limb or stem failure while retaining the tree for the long term. Since the aerial inspection, three large limbs have failed on two separate occasions within the last three weeks, with two large limbs now hung up within the crown. It is considered likely that prolonged drought conditions have placed additional stress on the tree and may have contributed to sudden branch drop. The proposed works are therefore required to remove the hung-up limbs, reduce excessive end weight on the over-extended northern and southern limbs, improve crown balance and reduce the likelihood of further major limb failure.